American Notes

The U.S.S. Acadia, a naval repair ship, returned to San Diego two weeks ago after serving more than seven months in the Persian Gulf. Before heading out again, it might have to add an onboard nursery. Last week Navy officials confirmed that while the Acadia was at sea, 36 of the 450 women aboard were transferred to shore duty because they were pregnant.

The officials insist that there is no evidence that anyone broke regulations prohibiting sexual relations between men and women while on duty. By their count, nine of the women arrived on board pregnant without yet knowing it. Five were transferred from other vessels. The remaining 22 crew members may have had flings during liberty calls in Hawaii, the Philippines or elsewhere.

"These women have a right to get pregnant," grumbled a Navy spokesman. "The conclusion somebody is jumping to is that the Acadia is a love boat, and that's not the case."